Science-fiction as a genre has always been one of the most versatile and interesting when it comes to movies. The possibilities are quite literally endless, limited only by a filmmaker’s imagination and creativity surrounding the future and technology. The world is at the point where some science-fiction movies (especially older ones) are less fantastical but instead mirror current-day and modern technology.
The 1990s was a special time for science-fiction movies. It saw the release of commercially successful genre classics, such asJurassic ParkandIndependence Day, that are suitable for mass audiences and families alike. On the flip side of that coin, the 90s was also a time for genre efforts with a bit more of an edge to them.These are the 10 best R-rated science-fiction movies of the 90s, for those who like their sci-fi with some extra pulp.
10’Alien 3' (1992)
Directed by David Fincher
After entering cryosleep at the end ofAliens(1986), Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) crash-lands on Fiorina 161, a maximum security prison for male prisoners. The planet’s environment is hostile, as are many of the prison’s inmates. Unfortunately for all of them, Ripley’s ship contained a stowaway. With virtually no weapons to defend themselves, Ripley and the inmates must fight for their survival against an alien threat that’s only getting stronger.
Alien 3is a pretty good movie, butso divisive and provocative that its reputation often overshadows its good elements. For starters, the movie makes use of its R-rating;for franchise fans that appreciate some splatter in their Alien film,Alien 3will satisfy in that regard. It’s unrelentingly bleak and will certainly not be to everyone’s taste, but at the very least,Alien 3gives a legendary movie character an honorable sendoff.
9’Demolition Man' (1993)
Directed by Marco Brambilla
Set in the utopian San Angeles in the year 2036, an ultra-violent convict, Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes),who’s been cryogenically frozen over 30 years prior escapes from prison and wreaks havoc on a woefully unprepared society. The San Angeles police have no choice but to set loose John Spartan (Sylvester Stallone), the hardened police officer responsible for Phoenix’s original arrest.
Demolition Manis a movie built almost entirely around its two leads. Thankfully, this Stallone and Snipes vehicle does not disappoint —Demolition Manis one of the most enjoyable sci-fi action movies of the 90s. The inventive action sequences are complimented by a surprising amount of comedy; Stallone’s fish-out-of-water performance delivers some big laughs and Snipes is delightfully unhinged as the psychotic criminal.Demolition Manis a glorious slice of 90s cheese that totally works.
Demolition Man
8’Cube' (1997)
Directed by Vincenzo Natali
Six strangers wake up inside a cube with no recollection of how or why they are there. The cube is the start of a maze with thousands of different pathways. Each person has a particular skill that they must use to help each other survive the deadly traps that stand between them and their escape.
Cubeis ahigh-concept sci-fi horror that makes the most out of a simple premise. Cleverly constructed around an extremely modest budget,Cubeis tense and claustrophobic in all the best ways. The mystery behind the narrative is compelling andthere’s no shortage of visceral thrills.Cube’s novel concept paved the way for future moviesthat saw greater success, and it stands out as one of the stronger sci-fi efforts of the 90s.
7’Dark City' (1998)
Directed by Alex Proyas
John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) wakes up in a hotel bathroom with no memories of his past. Murdoch receives a phone call that warns him that he is being hunted for his supposed involvement in a series of murders. Murdoch soon learns that he possesses extremely powerful abilities that will help in his search for answers in a city that never sees sunlight.
Dark Cityweaves an immensely stylish tapestry that consistently impresses when it comes to the spectacular imagination that brings to life the titular Dark City.It’s a wholly unique ride, one as trippy as it is thrilling. For genre fans, particularly those with an affinity for cyber-punk and noir aesthetics,Dark Cityis a must-watch.It’s a brilliant cult classic that’s provocative and unconventional in the best ways.
6’Event Horizon' (1997)
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson
Set in the year 2047, a crew of astronauts are sent to investigate the mysterious reappearance of the long-missing spaceship, Event Horizon. Upon boarding the abandoned spacecraft, it quickly becomes clear that something horrible happened aboard the Event Horizon. A rescue mission quickly turns into a fight for survival as the mystery behind the crew’s disappearance and the purpose of their mission is revealed.
Event Horizonis an essential sci-fi horror movie. While it admittedly borrows many elements from certain classics,Paul W.S. Andersondirects with flair, building agood amount of tension and intrigue, leading to a shocking finale.Event Horizonis a gruesome movie, but is by no means gratuitous; there’s a thematic throughline thatnecessitates the use of some extremely disturbing imagery.Event Horizonis commonly cited as a cult classic and is sure to be appreciated by genre fans looking for some good, low-gravity thrills.
Event Horizon
5’Starship Troopers' (1997)
Directed by Paul Verhoeven
Set on a future Earth united under a totalitarian and militaristic federation, Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) joins the military straight out of high school, as most young adults do. After a catastrophe that claimed the lives of millions, Earth is thrust into a war with an alien species of massive insectoid creatures. Johnny soon discovers that service in the military is not all that it is cracked up to be.
Starship Troopersis a great sci-fi action movie thatserves up plenty of bug-killing carnage and extremely gory action setpieces. It’s absurdly entertaining at face value. WhatStarship Troopersdoes exceptionally well, however, is itssatirical commentary on fascism and anti-war sentiments. DirectorPaul Verhoevendoesn’t go for subtle jabs but rather leans into absurdist humor and over-the-top violence to make a point. As mindless as it may appear,Starship Troopersis incredibly clever.
Starship Troopers
4'12 Monkeys' (1995)
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Set in a future where a pandemic has killed 99% of the world’s population, convict James Cole (Bruce Willis) is sent back in time to determine what caused the outbreak and how it could be stopped. A miscalculation causes Cole to be sent back too far, and he winds up in a psychiatric hospital. There, he meets Jeffrey (Brad Pitt), a raving madman who might be the key to humanity’s future.
12 Monkeysis not only one of the best sci-fi movies of the 90s but one of the mostimaginative and strikingly original sci-fi movies of all time.Terry Gilliam’s movies are consistently oddball, and12 Monkeysis no exception. While not overly violent,the movie does adopt a rather bleak tone, with an especially somber ending that highlights the futility of trying to save an already doomed future.
12 Monkeys
3’Total Recall' (1990)
Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) lives as a construction worker on Earth in the year 2048. Quaid consistently dreams of visiting Mars and opts to visit a center that will simulate the trip by implanting a fake memory into his brain. The procedure backfires, and he soon finds himself being hunted by people he once trusted. Quaid will have to fight for his future by confronting his mysterious past.
It would seem that directorPaul Verhoevenhad a monopoly on R-rated sci-fi movies in the 90s.Total Recallis athoroughly enjoyable and mind-bending sci-fi movie that shouldn’t be overlooked. The visuals are imaginative, the action is slick andSchwarzenegger, as always, is a committed lead.Total Recallis bombastic and wacky in all the right ways, also featuring some gnarly violence to help it secure its R-rating.
Total Recall
2’The Matrix' (1999)
Directed by Lana Wachowski & Lily Wachowski
Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) works a day job as a meek computer programmer but otherwise operates as a hacker known in the underworld as Neo. When Neo is presented with the opportunity to learn the truth behind humanity’s existence, he accepts. The rabbit hole Neo enters goes deeper than he could’ve ever imagined as he is determined to be the chosen one who will save the human race from simulated bondage.
The cultural impact and significance ofThe Matrixis impossible to overstate. It’s a turn-of-the-century sci-fi epic that changed the landscape of filmmaking as a whole. With its revolutionary computer-generated visuals and grand, existential scale,The Matrixis an exceedingly impressive piece of workthat has beenendlessly referenced and cited as an inspiration behind countless moviesfollowing it. On top of all that, it’s still simply a badass movie.
The Matrix
1’Terminator 2: Judgment Day' (1991)
Directed by James Cameron
Terminator 2: Judgment Day(1991)is commonly recognized as one of the greatest sequels of all time. After the events ofThe Terminator(1984), Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) is forced into an uneasy alliance with an advanced cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent from a future dominated by machines. They share a common goal: protect John Connor (Edward Furlong) at all costs.
Even considering the R-rating,Terminator 2: Judgment Dayfeels like a family movie in the sense thatit has a little something for everyone. Drama, action, comedy — it delivers in every regard and is just about as perfect as a movie can be. The action set pieces are spellbinding, the dynamic between John and The Terminator is heartwarming andHamilton brings to life one of the greatest movie heroinesever put to screen. While the franchise has notoriously lost its way in recent years,Terminator 2: Judgment Daywill always be looked back upon fondly.
